William Pether after Rembrandt

Jew, Rabbi

14.5 x 20.5 inches

The rabbi sits facing the front with his hands clasped across his front. He wears a compressed white turban and his cloak is joined by an elaborate gold clasp encrusted with jewels. To the back of the picture there is a room with a chair, an open book and various Jewish symbols.

William Pether was born in Carlisle in 1731. In 1756 he received a premium from the Society of Arts and in 1763 he became a member of the Free Society of Artists. He was admitted to the Royal Academy in 1778. He painted portraits in both oil and miniature and also studied the art of mezzotint engraving. It was through the latter that he became a pupil, and then partner, of Thomas Frye with whom he gained great excellence, particularly with his pieces after Rembrandt and Wright. He is thought to have died in 1795.